KARACHI: Arsalan-ud-din, student of Shahwilayat Public School secured 1st Position in SSC examination for 2009 from Aga Khan Education Board. Arsalan achieved 91.36 per cent marks.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Friday, July 10, 2009
Pakistan’s first multi-storey CDGK Parking Plaza inaugurated
By Sohail Rab Khan
KARACHI: Governor of Sindh province Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan and Karachi City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal inaugurated Pakistan’s first ever multi-storey CDGK Parking Plaza for vehicles in Saddar town yesterday.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony on this occasion Governor of Sindh Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan congratulated citizens of Karachi for completion of the project and also praised the efforts of City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal and his team for performing unprecedented and extraordinary development works during the last four years in Karachi.
The Parking Plaza was built at a cost of Rs 650 million and has 11 floors altogether in which seven floors are reserved for parking, two floors consist of Shopping Plaza while remaining two are consist of basement. 700 cars and 500 motorcycles can be parked in the said plaza at a time while the parking charges are very nominal i.e. only Rupees 20 for first three hours and then Rs. 10 will be charged for one hour. It may be mentioned here that the Parking Plaza has been made fully computerized with surveillance, video cameras have been installed at all major locations and the building is also equipped with heavy elevators and standby generator.
Replying to a question regarding care-taker administrator, Ebad said it is not necessary that the care-taker administrator be a government man, he could be from any political party, he added
Earlier, speaking on the occasion, Nazim Karachi Syed Mustafa Kamal said that today is a good day for the public in Karachi and for all Pakistanis that Pakistan’s first ever car Parking Plaza has now been opened for public. He said that the City Government has made a plan under which the busy area of Saddar would be made pedestrian area on gradual basis.
Nazim Karachi said that with the completion of this project and development work around the CDGK Parking Plaza, the area of Saddar is now presenting a new and refreshing look.
He said that after the completion of corridor-III the motorists would have 18 kilometers of signal free journey from Saddar to Safora Goth, Malir Cantonment and even further 10 km to Tool Plaza at Superhighway. (NC Report)
Addressing the inaugural ceremony on this occasion Governor of Sindh Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan congratulated citizens of Karachi for completion of the project and also praised the efforts of City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal and his team for performing unprecedented and extraordinary development works during the last four years in Karachi.
The Parking Plaza was built at a cost of Rs 650 million and has 11 floors altogether in which seven floors are reserved for parking, two floors consist of Shopping Plaza while remaining two are consist of basement. 700 cars and 500 motorcycles can be parked in the said plaza at a time while the parking charges are very nominal i.e. only Rupees 20 for first three hours and then Rs. 10 will be charged for one hour. It may be mentioned here that the Parking Plaza has been made fully computerized with surveillance, video cameras have been installed at all major locations and the building is also equipped with heavy elevators and standby generator.
Replying to a question regarding care-taker administrator, Ebad said it is not necessary that the care-taker administrator be a government man, he could be from any political party, he added
Earlier, speaking on the occasion, Nazim Karachi Syed Mustafa Kamal said that today is a good day for the public in Karachi and for all Pakistanis that Pakistan’s first ever car Parking Plaza has now been opened for public. He said that the City Government has made a plan under which the busy area of Saddar would be made pedestrian area on gradual basis.
Nazim Karachi said that with the completion of this project and development work around the CDGK Parking Plaza, the area of Saddar is now presenting a new and refreshing look.
He said that after the completion of corridor-III the motorists would have 18 kilometers of signal free journey from Saddar to Safora Goth, Malir Cantonment and even further 10 km to Tool Plaza at Superhighway. (NC Report)
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Arms license books to be computerised in Sindh
The Sindh Home Department is about to initiate the production of computerised arms license books, which will be similar to machine readable passports, Sindh Special Home Secretary Kamran Dost told The News.
Dost said that money had been approved for this purpose in the budget for the current fiscal year, adding that this was being done to eliminate rampant corruption in the department. In his opinion, the new system would also increase the revenue of the department, as at later stages, arms license books could be registered online.
Replying to a question, he said that besides the computerised registration of books, the Home Department was also seeking the help of National Database Registration Authority (NADRA) to maintain all records of arms license branch. At present all record is maintained through manually. According to him, a computer department is being established and staff is being trained with the help of NADRA officials.
Dost added that the move would also help in minimising “the immense pressure on the Home Department” for issuance of new arms licenses. On the contrary, a survey of the Sindh Home department conducted by The News found that no such department had been established as yet that could ascertain any plans for the computerisation of arms license.
According to sources, the new system is being brought in place to remove corruption, although many more meetings will be held before a final decision is taken. Sources also said that NADRA officials are ready to facilitate the Home Department, but will also have to undertake a detailed survey for the new system to work without any hurdles.
However, Home Department officials fear that renewing license fees and supplying data electronically may cause problems for people in rural areas, and such impediments must be removed before any records are computerised.
Sources said that normally it takes two months to issue an arms license in Karachi. When the license is issued, the Home Department then checks for fake licenses. Currently, applying for an arms license is free of cost, but once the records are kept electronically, there will be an official fee of Rs 4,000 to be submitted to the office of the District Coordination Officer (DCO) of Karachi.
Thousands of applicants approach the Home Department everyday to obtain arms licenses, out of which many return frustrated. Even though weapons are licensed by the Home Department, special permission is still required to be allowed to carry them. This was not the case before the Nishtar Park bombing on April 11, 2006.
Despite this, many influential people affiliated to political parties openly display sophisticated weapons without suffering legal consequences. Private security guards, for example, have also been observed displaying dangerous weapons like Kalashnikovs and even firing on some occasions.
Official sources claim that the government has fixed the amount of arms licenses certain officials can issue. The For instance, the Sindh Home minister can issue 366 licenses for pistols, seven for revolvers, 24 for rifles, and 105 for shotguns. Similarly, the Home secretary can issue 896 licenses for pistols, 20 for revolvers, 99 for rifles, and 304 for shotguns. The DCO Karachi can issue 819 licenses for revolvers and/or pistols, 27 for rifles, and 129 for shotguns. However the chief minister can issue an arms license at any time according to his discretion. A total of 2,796 non-prohibited bore arms licenses were issued this year from January to June.
Moreover, NADRA has also started the registration process, but officials from the Home department claim that NADRA has first to prepare a software, after which the Home department will provide all records.
Dost said that money had been approved for this purpose in the budget for the current fiscal year, adding that this was being done to eliminate rampant corruption in the department. In his opinion, the new system would also increase the revenue of the department, as at later stages, arms license books could be registered online.
Replying to a question, he said that besides the computerised registration of books, the Home Department was also seeking the help of National Database Registration Authority (NADRA) to maintain all records of arms license branch. At present all record is maintained through manually. According to him, a computer department is being established and staff is being trained with the help of NADRA officials.
Dost added that the move would also help in minimising “the immense pressure on the Home Department” for issuance of new arms licenses. On the contrary, a survey of the Sindh Home department conducted by The News found that no such department had been established as yet that could ascertain any plans for the computerisation of arms license.
According to sources, the new system is being brought in place to remove corruption, although many more meetings will be held before a final decision is taken. Sources also said that NADRA officials are ready to facilitate the Home Department, but will also have to undertake a detailed survey for the new system to work without any hurdles.
However, Home Department officials fear that renewing license fees and supplying data electronically may cause problems for people in rural areas, and such impediments must be removed before any records are computerised.
Sources said that normally it takes two months to issue an arms license in Karachi. When the license is issued, the Home Department then checks for fake licenses. Currently, applying for an arms license is free of cost, but once the records are kept electronically, there will be an official fee of Rs 4,000 to be submitted to the office of the District Coordination Officer (DCO) of Karachi.
Thousands of applicants approach the Home Department everyday to obtain arms licenses, out of which many return frustrated. Even though weapons are licensed by the Home Department, special permission is still required to be allowed to carry them. This was not the case before the Nishtar Park bombing on April 11, 2006.
Despite this, many influential people affiliated to political parties openly display sophisticated weapons without suffering legal consequences. Private security guards, for example, have also been observed displaying dangerous weapons like Kalashnikovs and even firing on some occasions.
Official sources claim that the government has fixed the amount of arms licenses certain officials can issue. The For instance, the Sindh Home minister can issue 366 licenses for pistols, seven for revolvers, 24 for rifles, and 105 for shotguns. Similarly, the Home secretary can issue 896 licenses for pistols, 20 for revolvers, 99 for rifles, and 304 for shotguns. The DCO Karachi can issue 819 licenses for revolvers and/or pistols, 27 for rifles, and 129 for shotguns. However the chief minister can issue an arms license at any time according to his discretion. A total of 2,796 non-prohibited bore arms licenses were issued this year from January to June.
Moreover, NADRA has also started the registration process, but officials from the Home department claim that NADRA has first to prepare a software, after which the Home department will provide all records.
Underworld assassin held
The Special Investigation Unit (SIU) of the Sindh police has arrested a man associated with the underworld.
The man was identified as Sultan Arain alias Chief. SIU chief SSP Raja Umer Khattab said the arrested person was an assassin by profession and was associated with the Manzar Abbas group of the underworld. Abbas was presently running a dancing and drugs club and also a moneychanger business in South Africa.
“Arain has killed nine people on payment...he received Rs 0.5-1 million for each murder,” said the SSP. “He killed five people in Karachi, while four others in South Africa. “I made a team headed by DSP Ali Raza that arrested him from the Garden area after an encounter. A 9mm pistol was also recovered from his possession,” the SSP Khattab added. The SIU chief said the culprit belongs to Faisalabad. He met Ibrahim Dada, an underworld man in jail, when the Bahadurabad police arrested him in 1994. He then went to South Africa and joined the group of Manzar Abbas, which was operating his underworld gang in South Africa and Karachi. He arrived in the country in 2004 and was arrested again by the FIA when he was leaving the country for South Africa and sent to jail. staff report
The man was identified as Sultan Arain alias Chief. SIU chief SSP Raja Umer Khattab said the arrested person was an assassin by profession and was associated with the Manzar Abbas group of the underworld. Abbas was presently running a dancing and drugs club and also a moneychanger business in South Africa.
“Arain has killed nine people on payment...he received Rs 0.5-1 million for each murder,” said the SSP. “He killed five people in Karachi, while four others in South Africa. “I made a team headed by DSP Ali Raza that arrested him from the Garden area after an encounter. A 9mm pistol was also recovered from his possession,” the SSP Khattab added. The SIU chief said the culprit belongs to Faisalabad. He met Ibrahim Dada, an underworld man in jail, when the Bahadurabad police arrested him in 1994. He then went to South Africa and joined the group of Manzar Abbas, which was operating his underworld gang in South Africa and Karachi. He arrived in the country in 2004 and was arrested again by the FIA when he was leaving the country for South Africa and sent to jail. staff report
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Nazims should act to minimize fears of Talibanization: Dr Ishrat ul Ebad
Sindh Governor Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan has stressed upon the town Nazims to play their active role in apprising the international media about the dangers of Talibanization and acts of terrorism.
He said fears of Talibanization are being continuously presented in international media and said by being Town Nazims this fear of Taliban and terrorism at grass root level could be minimized.
This he stated while addressing the Town Nazims of the cities of Sindh. The city Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal also attended the meeting and appraised the development made in Karachi.(NC)
He said fears of Talibanization are being continuously presented in international media and said by being Town Nazims this fear of Taliban and terrorism at grass root level could be minimized.
This he stated while addressing the Town Nazims of the cities of Sindh. The city Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal also attended the meeting and appraised the development made in Karachi.(NC)
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
‘Need for proper utilization of biotechnology’
KARACHI: Information Minister Shazia Marri has said that today Pakistan is on path of economic, political and technological progress.
She was addressing a workshop entitled “Commercial Importance of Biotechnology”, organized by the Dr. AQ Khan Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (KIBGE), University of Karachi, yesterday.
Information Minister said we should produce expert scientists who could lead the world in future and brighten the name of the country.
She was of view that proper utilization of biotechnology would convert this world a better place to live. Biotechnology has brought revolution in the field of health, agriculture, industry and other sectors, she said.
Pakistan is an agricultural country and the government is striving to bring development in this important sector, Marri said.
“Government is focusing on all sectors, particularly on research”, she said and added that young talent is being groomed with the assistance of educationalists and experts.
She was addressing a workshop entitled “Commercial Importance of Biotechnology”, organized by the Dr. AQ Khan Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (KIBGE), University of Karachi, yesterday.
Information Minister said we should produce expert scientists who could lead the world in future and brighten the name of the country.
She was of view that proper utilization of biotechnology would convert this world a better place to live. Biotechnology has brought revolution in the field of health, agriculture, industry and other sectors, she said.
Pakistan is an agricultural country and the government is striving to bring development in this important sector, Marri said.
“Government is focusing on all sectors, particularly on research”, she said and added that young talent is being groomed with the assistance of educationalists and experts.
Monday, July 6, 2009
War Against Rape (WAR)
War Against Rape (WAR) is a group of committed women and men dedicated to building a sensitized society free from gender-based oppression, discrimination, exploitation and violence. WAR aims to raise awareness about the issues of sexual violence and rape; help the survivors legally, psychologically and medically; punish the perpetrators and improve the laws relating to rape and other forms of sexual abuse and violence.
In 1989 WAR was established by a group of highly motivated volunteers and functioned as a pressure group working to ‘break the silence’ surrounding the issue of rape. WAR has since then grown into a formal organization having a blend of professional salaried staff and volunteers. The WAR office is open from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm except for Saturdays and Sundays.
Over the years WAR has come to realize the widespread prevalence in our society of sexually abusive relationships within the home such as incest, marital rape and child sexual abuse. Experience has also highlighted the far-reaching traumatic effects of verbal, emotional and physical abuse that women are subjected to in the home, in the work place and in society in general.
This has lead to WAR extending its sphere to include all cases of sexual abuse ranging from sexual harassment to the absolute aggravated cases of rape. With successes in the legal field, the establishment of Women’s Police cells and several awareness and para-legal workshops behind it, WAR has launched a new Awareness Program and hopes to continue it’s momentum of growth and effectiveness
In 1989 WAR was established by a group of highly motivated volunteers and functioned as a pressure group working to ‘break the silence’ surrounding the issue of rape. WAR has since then grown into a formal organization having a blend of professional salaried staff and volunteers. The WAR office is open from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm except for Saturdays and Sundays.
Over the years WAR has come to realize the widespread prevalence in our society of sexually abusive relationships within the home such as incest, marital rape and child sexual abuse. Experience has also highlighted the far-reaching traumatic effects of verbal, emotional and physical abuse that women are subjected to in the home, in the work place and in society in general.
This has lead to WAR extending its sphere to include all cases of sexual abuse ranging from sexual harassment to the absolute aggravated cases of rape. With successes in the legal field, the establishment of Women’s Police cells and several awareness and para-legal workshops behind it, WAR has launched a new Awareness Program and hopes to continue it’s momentum of growth and effectiveness
MQM re-organizes party’s Central Information Department
Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Rabita Committee yesterday announced the re-organizing of party’s Central Information Department and its sub committees. This was announced by MQM leader, Anees Ahmed Qaimkhani at Khursheed Begum Memorial Hall, Azizabad, said a statement issued by MQM.
Earlier, a joint meeting of members of MQM’s media, news, video, cam-zone and photo sections was also held at Khursheed Begum Memorial Hall.
According to the announcement, member of the Rabita Committee, Syed Qasim Raza will be the Incharge while Syed Saif Abbas will be Joint Incharge of a 10-member Central Information Department of the MQM.
Earlier, a joint meeting of members of MQM’s media, news, video, cam-zone and photo sections was also held at Khursheed Begum Memorial Hall.
According to the announcement, member of the Rabita Committee, Syed Qasim Raza will be the Incharge while Syed Saif Abbas will be Joint Incharge of a 10-member Central Information Department of the MQM.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Tappedar’s plea to President for justice
FAVOURITISM CROSSes LIMIT IN SINDH REVENUE DEPARTMENT
By Mirza M Jodat Baig
By Mirza M Jodat Baig
KARACHI: An unrest has developed in the Sindh Revenue Department following the unjust treatment by the authorities against their staff particularly the ‘Tapedars’ belonging to Karachi.
A protest is feared soon as these employees reportedly have decided to take up the matter to President Asif Ali Zardari for justice.
According to the reports and survey conducted by National Courier as many as 12 ‘Tapedars’ belonging to the city have resigned in protest while the rest of the 20 were thrown out in the far flung areas of the province. On the other hand the persons who are close to the authorities and related to some ministers of other top brass of the ruling government have been posted in the city due to the reasons ‘known’ to everybody.
Over fifty ‘Tapedars’ from other parts of the province have been posted in the city limits which would only create problems as the working of land mafia is likely to strengthen further.
Sources said that the right of remaining in the town is of those employees who are residing in the city but they have been replaced by the persons of choice from interior Sindh.
It is feared that corruption would certainly rise in the already ill famed department due to the postings of outsiders while the local people would suffer as they would be made sandwich between the internal tussle of the department.
These employees are running from pillar to post as neither the City Nazim, nor any elected representatives are in a position to provide justice to these persons.
They have appealed to President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah and Governor Ishrat-ul-Ebad to take immediate notice of the situation and action against Sindh Revenue Department which is involved in this grave injustice.
All of the 32 tapedars have claimed that they are the residence of the city and belong to the families of those who sacrificed their lives for the Pakistan People’s Party leadership, but regretted that they are being punished during their own party’s government.
The Tapedars themselves, of the PPP, are said to have complained that they did not deserve such a mistreatment by the Revenue Department despite the sacrifices and loyalty of the Tapedars to the party. (NC Report)
A protest is feared soon as these employees reportedly have decided to take up the matter to President Asif Ali Zardari for justice.
According to the reports and survey conducted by National Courier as many as 12 ‘Tapedars’ belonging to the city have resigned in protest while the rest of the 20 were thrown out in the far flung areas of the province. On the other hand the persons who are close to the authorities and related to some ministers of other top brass of the ruling government have been posted in the city due to the reasons ‘known’ to everybody.
Over fifty ‘Tapedars’ from other parts of the province have been posted in the city limits which would only create problems as the working of land mafia is likely to strengthen further.
Sources said that the right of remaining in the town is of those employees who are residing in the city but they have been replaced by the persons of choice from interior Sindh.
It is feared that corruption would certainly rise in the already ill famed department due to the postings of outsiders while the local people would suffer as they would be made sandwich between the internal tussle of the department.
These employees are running from pillar to post as neither the City Nazim, nor any elected representatives are in a position to provide justice to these persons.
They have appealed to President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah and Governor Ishrat-ul-Ebad to take immediate notice of the situation and action against Sindh Revenue Department which is involved in this grave injustice.
All of the 32 tapedars have claimed that they are the residence of the city and belong to the families of those who sacrificed their lives for the Pakistan People’s Party leadership, but regretted that they are being punished during their own party’s government.
The Tapedars themselves, of the PPP, are said to have complained that they did not deserve such a mistreatment by the Revenue Department despite the sacrifices and loyalty of the Tapedars to the party. (NC Report)
Friday, July 3, 2009
Chief Justice approached for taking note of PCB irregularities
By Syed Khalid Mahmood
The Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhary, has been approached for taking suo motto action against the former officials of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) having been found guilty of massive financial irregularities by the Auditor General of Pakistan.
Razaullah Khan, the longest serving council member of the PCB, who has been known and feared for calling a spade a spade, has once more taken the initiative of bringing to book the people having been engaged in malpractices of the highest order.
“Yes I have submitted a request to the Chief Justice for taking a suo motto action against Dr Nasim Ashraf, Shafqat Naghmi and others who have been found involved in the embezzlement of funds to the tune of Rupees seven billion,” Razaullah Khan remarked in an interview recently.
“Alongwith my application to the Chief Justice I have submitted a copy of the report of the Auditor General of Pakistan that details the corrupt practices of the PCB officials. I have also brought the matter to the notice of Chaudhary Nisar Ali, Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly and Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, by sending him a copy of the same report,” he added.
Razaullah Khan, who has been associated with the game of cricket in various capacities for nearly half a century now, did not mince words in stating that he has had to approach the Chief Justice after having failed to get any response from the government agencies.
“I have communicated to the Chief Justice that I have approached him after having knocked at the various doors without any response. The people in the government have their own reasons of not initiating action against the former PCB officials even though the report of the Auditor General of Pakistan has found them guilty,” Razaullah Khan said.
“The Auditor General of Pakistan has compiled the report after they had been assigned the task by the President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, who is also the Patron of the Pakistan Cricket Board,” the former PCB Council member revealed.
“Now when the report has come out and it has been very clearly pointed out that the former officials of the PCB were guilty of financial embezzlement there is no reason why they should not taken to task. I have appealed to the Chief Justice to take suo motto action and register a case against them,” Razaullah Khan stated.
“Exemplary punishment must be given to the PCB officials for having misused the public money and having derived huge personal benefits besides having obliged their near and dear ones,” he pleaded.
“It was a common belief that Dr Nasim Ashraf and Shafqat Naghmi were running the affairs of the PCB at their whims. The recent report by the Auditor General of Pakistan has only confirmed that they have deprived the nation of billions of rupees,” Razaullah Khan believed.
He didn’t expect the present officials of the PCB to move against their predecessors because in his opinion there still were quite a few employees in the Board having sympathy with their former masters.
The Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhary, has been approached for taking suo motto action against the former officials of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) having been found guilty of massive financial irregularities by the Auditor General of Pakistan.
Razaullah Khan, the longest serving council member of the PCB, who has been known and feared for calling a spade a spade, has once more taken the initiative of bringing to book the people having been engaged in malpractices of the highest order.
“Yes I have submitted a request to the Chief Justice for taking a suo motto action against Dr Nasim Ashraf, Shafqat Naghmi and others who have been found involved in the embezzlement of funds to the tune of Rupees seven billion,” Razaullah Khan remarked in an interview recently.
“Alongwith my application to the Chief Justice I have submitted a copy of the report of the Auditor General of Pakistan that details the corrupt practices of the PCB officials. I have also brought the matter to the notice of Chaudhary Nisar Ali, Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly and Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, by sending him a copy of the same report,” he added.
Razaullah Khan, who has been associated with the game of cricket in various capacities for nearly half a century now, did not mince words in stating that he has had to approach the Chief Justice after having failed to get any response from the government agencies.
“I have communicated to the Chief Justice that I have approached him after having knocked at the various doors without any response. The people in the government have their own reasons of not initiating action against the former PCB officials even though the report of the Auditor General of Pakistan has found them guilty,” Razaullah Khan said.
“The Auditor General of Pakistan has compiled the report after they had been assigned the task by the President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, who is also the Patron of the Pakistan Cricket Board,” the former PCB Council member revealed.
“Now when the report has come out and it has been very clearly pointed out that the former officials of the PCB were guilty of financial embezzlement there is no reason why they should not taken to task. I have appealed to the Chief Justice to take suo motto action and register a case against them,” Razaullah Khan stated.
“Exemplary punishment must be given to the PCB officials for having misused the public money and having derived huge personal benefits besides having obliged their near and dear ones,” he pleaded.
“It was a common belief that Dr Nasim Ashraf and Shafqat Naghmi were running the affairs of the PCB at their whims. The recent report by the Auditor General of Pakistan has only confirmed that they have deprived the nation of billions of rupees,” Razaullah Khan believed.
He didn’t expect the present officials of the PCB to move against their predecessors because in his opinion there still were quite a few employees in the Board having sympathy with their former masters.
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